Espanola Island is also known as Hood Island. It sits at the southernmost point of the archipelago. Yet, it is one of the most popular islands to be visited because of the wide variety of animals found on the island. It is home to the only colony of waved albatross on the Galapagos Islands. The island is flat with no visible volcano.

Punta Suarez

Punta Suarez is the best visitor site on Hood Island. Along the lava trail, blue-footed boobies lay their eggs and iguanas sunbathe on the rocks. This rocky strip of land is home to the most varied and most impressive colonies of sea birds in all of the Galapagos Islands. Those brave enough to walk over the slippery turf will encounter lazy sea lions, with Hood mockingbirds and red-billed tropicbirds flying overhead.

Despite the bulk of the island being flat, in Punta Suarez, which is on the western tip of the island, there are 30-meter high cliffs that are inhabited by even more species of birds. Here there is a blow hole of some fame. Depending on the intensity, the water spouts can reach between 15 and 30 meters (50 to 75 feet) into the air.

Something about Hood Island and Punta Suarez appeals to the animals because they are larger here than anywhere else on the islands. The waved albatross is the largest bird on the Galapagos Islands. The marine iguanas are among the largest in the Galapagos Islands, as well as the most colorful. The lava lizards are larger than average, too.

Gardner Bay

Gardner Bay is on the eastern side of Hood Island. With its white sandy beaches, it is the island’s prime location for swimming and snorkeling. In fact, it is arguably the most beautiful beach on all of the islands. The best snorkeling is off of Tortuga Rock. Those who wish to snorkel may see turtles and sharks amongst the beautiful fish.

There is a trail that runs from Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez. Along the path are a number of nesting sites, including the nests for nearly every waved albatross in the world.